These huge new cruise ships look like amusement parks

08.11.2023 - 12:35 / insider.com / Royal Caribbean

Norwegian Cruise Line has opened reservations for its upcoming Norwegian Aqua sailing in April 2025. And if you love big amusement park-like ships, this could be a great vacation option.

At 156,300 gross tons and a double occupancy capacity of over 3,570 guests, this upcoming vessel won't be as large as the giant family-friendly cruise ships Royal Caribbean has been churning out — or even top the list as Norwegian's largest vessel.

However, the Aqua is still set to have several eye-catching activities — a 10-story dry slide, a joint sports court and nightclub with LED-lit flooring, and an outdoor game space, for example.

But of all these amenities, likely none will be as visually striking as the Aqua Slidecoaster. According to the cruise line, this will be the first three-story, two-course, "hybrid" roller coaster and water slide at sea. While unique and likely to be a sure hit with younger guests, the ship's tubular snake-like crown looks more like a theme park ride than a cruise ship amenity. And I'm sure that's the point.

According to Norwegian's renderings, the exterior of the ship will be adorned with a chaotically bright design created by the cruise line's "first-ever major female hull artist." While hard to miss, it'll undoubtedly make this ship look more youthful and theme park-like than orderly and prim.

Size aside, the Norwegian Aqua looks like it'll be just like Royal Caribbean's wildly hyped upcoming Icon of the Seas — overwhelming, colorful, family-friendly, and amusement park-like. But that's not bad news for Norwegian. If the Aqua becomes as big of a hit as the Icon, it's bound to sell well: Royal Caribbean has repeatedly called its upcoming behemoth vessel its "best-selling" ship ever.